Customizable toy for playing a wireless interactive game having both physical and virtual elements

摘要

Embodiments of the invention provide a unique interactive game that connects both physical and virtual play environments and includes multiple dynamic layers in which a participant may complete a variety of challenges and/or tasks. For example, the participant may obtain a physical gaming item such as a toy from a retail phase that is usable in an interactive entertainment phase that provides virtual play via computer animation. The interactive entertainment phase may include multiple interrelated layers such that progress in one or more layers may affect the participant's experience in one or more other layers. The participant may also receive training on how to use and improve the physical gaming item to help achieve one or more special effects or complete one or more adventures and/or quests. During or following the interactive entertainment phase, the participant may use accumulated points and/or powers to redeem prizes and/or compete against other participants, such as in a duel or other face-off challenge.

主权项

1. A combination wireless toy and input device for playing a computer-animated game on a wireless-compatible gaming platform, said combination wireless toy and input device comprising:
a first modular component configured to be selectively and detachably assembled with a second modular component to form an assembled toy comprising a doll, action figure or other physical object relevant to a computer-animated game played by a game participant on a wireless-compatible gaming platform; said first modular component comprising: i) a radio frequency (RF) transceiver configured to provide two-way wireless communication with said wireless-compatible gaming platform, ii) programmable non-volatile memory storing a first selection of game-relevant information comprising a first set of one or more in-game attributes of a person, character or object relevant to said game, and iii) an electrically-conductive coil configured to be energized by an externally-generated electromagnetic field for powering at least said RF transceiver; said second modular component comprising non-volatile memory storing a second selection of game-relevant information comprising a second set of one or more in-game attributes of said person, character or object; and wherein said assembled toy is configured such that said game participant can selectively change at least said first set of one or more in-game attributes associated with said assembled toy by replacing at least said first modular component with a third modular component comprising non-volatile memory storing a third selection of game-relevant information that is different than said first selection of game-relevant information.